In addition to many traditional senior activities, PPCHS kicks off the start of the
third quarter with a very exciting event:
Mr. Jag. Known as Charter’s very own
male pageant, Mr. Jag features all senior
male candidates that compete to earn the
title of the new Mr. Jag of 2013.
On Tuesday February 5th, 2013, students,
parents, and faculty crowded the doors of
the River of Grass Auditorium in anticipation of the show. At 7 p.m. the audience
entered the auditorium ready for a night of
laughter and entertainment.
Hosted by seniors Allison Tomey and
Nick Polanco, the event lasted around two
hours. All 15 Mr. Jag contestants competed
in obstacle courses, scavenger hunts and a
fashion show to determine who would become Charter’s Mr. Jag. The seniors that
were in the show were Luis Riascos, Julian
Graves, Jibri Durant, Chris Gardner, Jake
Pare, Giovanni “Scooby” Aponte, Bomario
“Bo” Segree, Danny Bolivar, Sheharyar
“Paki” Hammad, Omari White, Demetri Narace, Cameron Brice, Juan Arango,
Randall Collins, and Nick D’Agostino.
Following an opening slideshow presentation of pictures of the candidates, the entourage of boys entered the stage with their
escorts and quickly prepared backstage for
the beginning of the show. “Love on Top”
by Beyonce began to play as they took
the stage and the audience immediately
cheered as the group performed an amusing choreographed dance routine.
Next came the trivia questions in the portion called, “Are you smarter than a 9th
grader?” One by one each competitor came
on stage and was asked a trivia question
based on knowledge learned in 9th grade
classes. If they got it right they moved on
to the next round. If they got the question
wrong, they were eliminated and returned
to back stage. The questions varied in difficulty such as, “name all 13 colonies”,
“name all of the Avengers” and “What’s
two plus two?” Ones that didn’t know the
answers came up with amusing responses.
After the hosts ran out of questions there
were still several boys to be eliminated
and they were all named smarter than a 9th
grader.
Following the trivia ordeal, Junior Marcela Ruiz and Sophomore Eddie, members
of the Latin Dance team, performed during
intermission. They danced their hearts out
on stage and received a huge round of applause despite encountering technical difficulties.
Next the seniors participated in the fashion show portion of the night. Given the opportunity to show off their personal styles,
the boys appeared on stage in their own

personal outfits. Styles ranged from preppy
to very casual and typical of teenage boys.
Smiling at the audience, strutting down the
stage, and posing at the end, these senior
boys hoped to make a good impression on
the judges and receive some applause from
the crowd. This gave all the spectators a
good laugh as some competitors did funny
poses in between.
After the Fashion show was the Scavenger hunt. This was an interactive game
that required assistance from the audience.
Competitors were told to sit in a chair on
the stage and asked to find a certain item
out in the audience and the last person back
with that item was out. The last person sitting in a chair won. The boys were asked
to find items ranging from shoes to money
to even individuals with certain hair colors. This portion had students laughing
and shouting trying to help their favorite
competitor win. “Mr. Jag was such a great
event but my favorite part was the interactive scavenger hunt because it was so fun
to see the items they were asked to find and
I liked that I got to actually participate in
the event,” commented junior Hunter Morales.
It was a close race between two seniors
but Giovanni “Scooby” Aponte was the
winner at the end of the Scavenger hunt,
earning him extra points in judging. After
this event was the Obstacle course where
the competition was grouped in threes
and the boys had to do 10 pushups, 5 frog
jumps, run to the end of the theater and
back and then spin around 5 times and sit
down in their chair in the shortest amount
of time. The audience cheered, screamed
and clapped their favorites on.
The final event in the competition was the
personal talent portion. This gave the seniors an opportunity to show any special or
hidden talents to amaze the audience and
the judges.
Every boy was able to showcase amazing talents that were unknown to many.
Some performances included Juan playing the guitar as Bo sang “Little Things”
by One Direction. Another was Nick solving a Rubik’s cube after telling a series of
corny jokes, and the more athletic boys like
Julian, Chris, and Cameron completed basketball dunks on a stationary hoop. After a
long review the Judges deliberated the results of the show. The winner, out of all the
contestants was Randall Collins. Congratulations to Randall for being crowned Mr.
Jag. This was an amazing night filled with
laughs with all of your closest friends. It
was an event to never forget, and we all
look forward to the Mr. Jag competition
next year.

Shontel Medwynter was a student at Pembroke Pines Charter High school and part
of the class of 2010. She was an excellent
student who excelled greatly in her studies and on the field. She was an athlete that
was very dedicated to her varsity soccer
team. She enjoyed volunteering throughout her community and had a dream and
aspiration of becoming a pediatrician when
tragedy suddenly hit. Shontel Medwynter
was diagnosed with a cancer that was inoperable. She passed away in 2009 but is
never forgotten since she lives on through
her parents and in the history of the school.
A special scholarship was started in her

name.
The Shontel Medwynter scholarship is
available for all seniors to apply to. It has
been an active scholarship since its initiation in 2010. The scholarship includes two
levels of qualifying for it; academic excellence and community service. Students
with a 3.5 GPA can qualify for the academic excellence scholarship and students
who would like to apply for the community
service scholarship need not as high a GPA
as the academic excellence GPA. Students
with a GPA of at least 2.5 can qualify for
this scholarship but the student must have
completed an abundance of community
service and volunteer work throughout
their community. The scholarship was an

idea from Shontel’s parents. Since their
daughter was such an excellent student and
loved completing community service they
thought that the way to have her memory
live on would be through a scholarship.
“Shontel Medwynter’s mother wanted students like Shontel to have the chance to go
to college especially since her daughter did
not have that opportunity,” says 12th grade
guidance counselor Mr. Greenbaum.
Two or three deserving students will receive this scholarship later on in the year.
Students can apply for this scholarship in
March when it is made available. “ I am
very interested in applying for this scholarship, I think it’s great how they have a
scholarship for this deceased student, it

makes this scholarship meaningful,” said
senior Shantelle Gloria. The scholarship
reward is worth a $1,000, and it is funded in a unique way. Shontel’s doctor, Dr.
Pathak, who treated her while she had cancer, donates a thousand dollars every year.
The money is also earned through dress
down days the school hosts. There will be
a specific dress down day in her name on
February 20th. Students who dress down
will have to pay an amount of two dollars.
This money will go to the scholarship fund
and in turn to the students who are awarded
this scholarship. Shontel Medwynter’s academic excellence and superior skills on the
field made her known but even after her
death she is never forgotten in PPCHS.

The C.H.A.T. is an official publication of
the Pembroke Pines Charter High School
(PPCHS). The content of our newspaper
is not necessarily the opinions of our advisers and administration. The C.H.A.T.
staff welcomes any comments to the editors and/or staff. The C.H.A.T is a publication of C.H.C (Charter High Communications) sponsored by the Communications
& Technology Department of PPCHS.
Pembroke Pines Charter High School
17189 Sheridan Street
Pembroke Pines, FL 33331
Phone: 954-538-3700
Email: chatnews@pinescharter.com
Twitter: @_theCHATter

3

Student Life
February 2013

Valentine’s Day: Then and Now Romance all year round
someone, they will look bad when really
it doesn’t matter. It was much better when
February 14th-The day Cupid sets out, we were little and everyone was happy no
arrow in hand ready to make two strang- matter what.”
In middle school, you were considered
ers fall blissfully in love with each other.
Valentine’s Day has been around for centu- brave if you sent a girl or boy a Valentine
ries, but it wasn’t always about flowers and Gram that you bought attached to a chocochocolate. This holiday originally came to late bar or flower. You wrote a small note
be during the era of St. Valentine. Both the on it and everyone beamed at how lucky
Protestant and Catholic versions agree that you were. Moving into High School, it beFebruary 14th became a holiday when St. came a much bigger deal as to what presValentine held secret marriage ceremonies ent is received and how it is given. When
for soldiers who were otherwise denied a girl is walking around school with a life
marriage. He was imprisoned for his ac- size teddy bear and a huge box of chocotions, but this made a statement. From that late, they have all eyes on them.
Sophomore Lawrence Nelson feels like
day on, February 14th was known as the
“Valentine’s Day is more of a commerday of love.
Almost a thousand years later, Valentine’s cial holiday. It seems like it is about who
Day is still a holiday that takes over the can buy the best gift rather than focusing
month of February. People of different ages on who it’s for. It used to be about showeither dread or look forward to this day the ing that you cared for a person even in the
whole month. For some, it was much more smallest ways, but now it’s a competition.
exciting when they were younger than it is “
Amy Etchechury; a junior, agrees with
now. In elementary school, students get the
chance to be creative and make a box that Lawrence that Valentine’s Day can now
draw more attenrepresents them
tion to people, but
and the holiday.
for a different reaThey scan the
son. “When people
aisles for little
have a Valentine,
cards that will
they are happy and
make the whole
that’s it. When they
class laugh and
don’t it can be angive them to the
noying
because
whole class.
all you hear them
“When I was
say is ‘I’m forlittle,
Valenever alone!’ for the
tine’s Day was
whole month when
cute
because
they’re obviously
everybody got
not. It’s only High
a whole box of
school!”
candy and a lot
While some stuof cards. No- Valentine’s Day: Jon Vogel(‘13) and Kassie Diaz(‘13) get
body was left to spend Valentine’s Day with someone they love. Photo by: dents may find it
a bit of an annoyout. Now, it’s so JP Dussan
focused on couples that it can be kind of ance, others such as sophomore Vanessa
lonely if you don’t have a boyfriend or girl- Hernandez and Senior Gaby Urena agree
that there is too much of a fuss made in the
friend”. Says Freshman Ileana Perez.
Junior Fizza Nagi makes a similar point first place.
“It’s not the end of the world if you don’t
as Ileana. She explains “Valentine’s Day
was more fun in elementary school than have a Valentine. Everyone makes a big
in High School. Back then, everyone re- deal but really its just like any other day”
ceived something no matter what and we stated Hernandez.
got to make those boxes that we could keep Gaby believes that Valentine’s Day is just
the cards in. Today, everyone is stressed a day to show that you care, but people
out about either finding a perfect gift for make too big of a deal about having a boy
their special someone, or finding a special or girl to share it with. “There’s no rule
against giving something to your friends,
someone in the first place.”
Basically, many High School students so having a Valentine doesn’t really make
look at Valentine’s Day as a chance to re- a difference.”
While the students of PPCHS have differceive gifts from a significant other. Freshman Nicolas Cerulia is a strong believer ent views on Valentine’s Day now, they all
that “girls start trying harder as it gets clos- make one similar point: It is much differer to Valentine’s Day because they want ent now than it was back in elementary and
to have someone to share it with. They middle school. It will be interesting to see
become worried that if they don’t have how people go about the Holiday this year!
Alexys Nowak
STAFF WRITER

Victoria Alvarez
ENVIRONMENTAL/HEALTH EDITOR

Roses are red, violets are blue, Valentine’s
Day is over, but there is still some romance
left for you. When the lovey-dovey holiday
comes around, couples go out of their way
to please their partners; purchasing the best
gifts and planning the ultimate surprises
for their special someone. Dozens of roses
are bought, countless plush bears are cher-

know each other.
• A new adventure: It’s very regular for a
couple to go to the theatre to watch a movie
or take a walk around the mall to eat and
shop. However, the best dates take place
where neither person has gone or experienced before. Couples can go to places
outside of their comfort zones and go to an
arcade to play games or even go go-kart
racing for a competitive, yet fun, night.

Keeping the romance alive all year round: Being spontaneous and surprising your significant other is important not only during Valentine’s Day. Photo by: Emily Semander

ished, and thousands of chocolate pieces
are consumed all on this one day. But why
do couples feel the need to place all of their
energy on this one day when there are so
many days throughout the year to please
each other with? After all the craziness of
this famous holiday is over, couples can
still find ways to be romantic and spontaneous no matter what the occasion.
Valentine’s Day may be the designated
holiday for romance, but there are plenty
of ways for couples to surprise each other
with thoughtful and loving gifts on random
days throughout the year. It’s seems so
simple to give a girl flowers or to surprise
a boy by offering to pay for dinner. Small
gestures like these excite and flame up the
relationship, keeping both parties happy.
However, no matter how easy these small
ideas may sound, many guys and gals have
trouble planning such surprises. To help
spice up some of the PPCHS relationships
after this Valentine’s Day, here are some
tips and ideas for the perfect gifts and dates
to surprise those “special someone’s”:
• SURPRISE! Surprising a girl or boy with
some of their favorite treats or just a small
gift can really excite the relationship. It’s
mostly the girls that love to be surprised
and see a guy standing outside with flowers
or a huge teddy bear. But these things can
sometimes be so common, so it’s important
that couples add their own personal twists
to their ideas. Things such as picture
frames with the couple inside of them or
tickets to see their favorite singer can really show a couple how much they care and

“A few months ago I took my girlfriend
to the drive-in movie theatre,” said junior
Benjamin Miranda, “It was something that
neither have us had done before because
we had always gone to the movie theatre
near our houses. But it was a really fun
experience and it was nice to have time to
ourselves to talk and enjoy the movie at the
same time.”
• Staying the night in: Although it’s fun
to go out on dates or hang out with each
other’s friends at parties, sometimes it’s
best for a couple to just stay the night in.
Couples can plan a movie night together
to have a comfortable night and to enjoy
their time as a couple. They can pig out on
all types of treats while having the freedom
of their own homemade movie theatre.
Couples can also plan a night of cooking,
where both people cook a meal together
to eat and enjoy. This allows the couple to
bond and have a good time while also having a romantic date.
“My boyfriend is my best friend, even
though we love to go out and have a good
time, sometimes staying in is needed,” said
sophomore Sofia Lalinde, “It’s nice to just
have a fun and romantic night to ourselves
sometimes. It allows us to really bond.”
Valentine’s Day may be the day for candyshaped hearts and loving gifts, but couples
can always find ways to keep that romance
around for the entire year. These simple
tips and ideas can take a couple on a fun
date or even build a stronger bond between
the two people.

Does gender rule the world of friendship?
Angelique Berkowitz
Entertainment Editor

Have you ever stopped to take a look
around you and observe the different
cliques wandering around PPCHS? In a
world where males and females co-exist
as one, is it true that gender is the determination for a new friendship to form? In
a society that is co-ed, males and females
befriend one another with the hopes of
forming an everlasting bond; not the bond
of romance but the bond of friendship. As
you stroll through the corridors or take a
walk through the student parking lot, you
happen to notice boys and girls together
laughing and simply having a good time.
They’ve formed friendships that began as
young freshmen and have blossomed into
lifelong companionships as the seniors
prepare to start a new life after graduation.
Disregarding gender, friendships form and
truly put the ultimate question to a test: can
guys and girls be friends?
While it is common that both males and
females remain in a clique with their gender, it is often easy to find a clique that has
a bit of diversity. There are several cliques

that are mixed amongst males and females the modern day, you observe women and
that have formed strong friendships. For men working together and socializing tomany, it’s easier to become friends with gether in their spare time. “This cultural
those of the opposite sex. “I find it easier shift has encouraged psychologists, sociologists and
to make friends with
communicaboys than girls,” says
tions experts
senior
Katherine
to put forth a
Conrad. “Boys are
new message:
more carefree and
though it may
less dramatic so I
be tricky, men
have more fun hangand women
ing out with them.”
can successAccording to psyfully
bechologytoday.com,
come close
relationship experts
friends.”
have said, “The be(psychologylief that men and
today.com)
women can’t be
“Since males
friends comes from
and females
another era in which
work togethwomen were at home
er, I feel as
and men were in the
workplace, and the Girls and boys in friendships: Yasmeen Metellus(‘16) and if they have
only way they could Kellen Wills(‘16) taking a stand against the division between to be friends
and are more
get together was for girls and boys. Photo by: Natalia Cevallos
romance,” explained Linda Sapadin, a psy- likely to become friends because of it, says
chologist in Valley Stream, New York. In senior Kyler Hevia. “Recently where I’ve

worked, I was surrounded by females and
became close friends with them; I felt as if
I could tell them anything because I grew
so close to them and was able to work well
with them.”
Even though several associate the pairing of a boy and girl together as a couple,
a relationship related to friendship rather
than romance is quite prevalent. Males
are friends with females and females are
friends with males. Friendships are created
on the basis of similar television, music
and style interests. The answer to the ultimate question of friendship is a definite
yes at PPCHS as guys and girls laugh and
socialize while making their way to class
and while eating lunch. In a society where
girls and guys are relatively equal, friendship proves to be no different. Regardless
of gender, everyone hangs out with those
they have things in common with. “I believe guys and girls can be friends,” says
junior Melissa Rueda. “Sometimes friendships between the opposite sex may be a
bit awkward but it is possible for males and
females to live in perfect harmony and create everlasting friendships.”

Features
February 2013

4

Online Relationships:

Star Football Player Gets Hoaxed
Jacob Isenberg
STAFF WRITER

Former Notre Dame Linebacker Manti
Te’o won over the hearts of fans around the
country with his heartbreaking story. Te’o
told the public that his supposed girlfriend,
Lennay Kekua, and his grandmother had
died just days apart. Three days later, Te’o
played in one of Notre Dame’s most important games against Michigan State and
had one of his best games of the season,

relationship with Te’o for roughly two to
three years.
On the same day of the report, Te’o released a written statement, claiming to be a
“victim of what was apparently someone’s
sick joke and constant lies.” He also said
the entire ordeal “was, and is, painful and
humiliating.”
There has been controversy over whether
Te’o was in on the hoax, or whether he was
innocently having a relationship with who

Graphic by: Julian Graves

recording twelve tackles and leading his
team to victory. In an interview after the
game with ESPN’s Heather Cox, Te’o said:
“I couldn’t do without the support of my
family and my girlfriend’s family. I’m so
grateful for all the love and support that all
the fans, both Michigan State and Notre
Dame, and fans around the world for supporting me and my family and my girlfriend’s family. I miss them. I miss them.
But I know that I’ll see them again one
day.”
Te’o’s remarks had a profound impact on
many fans around the country.
“It was such an inspirational story,” said
senior Jarrett Collins. “I became an instant
fan of his.”
Many people were sympathetic to his
story after hearing this, as he seemed genuinely depressed over the loss of two of
the most important people in his life. He
continued his success through the season,
finishing second place in the Heisman Trophy voting, and leading his team to a spot
in the BCS National Championship game.
Already a national icon, Te’o was projected to be one of the top picks in this year’s
NFL draft.
However, a Deadspin publication broke
the shocking and confusing news on January 16th of a hoax. They said that while
it was true that Te’o’s grandmother had
died, there was no record of Lennay Kekua
having ever lived. Kekua, Te’o supposed

he thought to be Lennay Kekua. When
Deadspin broke the story, they believed
that he was in on the hoax, but information
released after that publication seems to indicate that he was unaware of it all.
“I was so confused when the news broke,”
said junior Alejandro Khan. “I could not
understand how someone could have a
girlfriend that did not exist.”
Since the story broke, both Te’o and Tuiasosopo have done nationally televised interviews to share their sides of the story.
Te’o spoke with Katie Couric and continued to maintain that he was not in on the
hoax, and that all of the emotions he felt
for ‘Kekua’ were real. He vehemently denied that he was using the death of Kekua
to generate sympathy from fans for personal gain, and also added that he was not
homosexual.
Tuiasosopo participated in a two-part interview with Dr. Phil, in which he admitted
that he was the person who created Lennay
Kekua and created her voice. He claimed
to have genuine feelings for Te’o, and expressed his apologies for the pain he has
caused to him. In the interview he also admitted he was gay, although he seemed to
be very confused about this.
Ronaiah Tuiasosopo is a catfish: someone
who creates fake online profiles and pretends to be someone they are not by using
fake pictures and information. He tricked
Te’o into thinking he was Lennay Kekua,

Graphic by: Julian Graves

girlfriend, did not exist. The person claiming to be Kekua was actually a man named
Ronaiah Tuiasosopo, who had allegedly
assumed the persona of Lennay Kekua and
had participated in an internet and phone

and was able to maintain the relationship
for over two years.
This should serve as a lesson that not all
people are what they seem--especially on
the internet.

people to meet,” says senior Bryan Gonzalez, “so I believe it’s easier to talk to people
and form a relationship.”
Face-to-face communication slowly deteriorates as technology advances (for the
shy, this is great news). However, times
will never go back to courting and horsen-buggy rides through the park. “I’ll find it
interesting to see how much more relationships progress 50 years from now with the

Times have clearly changed since the
dial-up computer modem and the “brick”
cell phone. With the technological breakthroughs of the twenty-first century comes
the evolution of romance. Meeting face-toface with your significant other and writing love letters has turned into FaceTiming
and emoji-laden quick chats on iMessage.
Technology has not only taken over
the world, but now, more than ever, it’s
played a major role taking over relationships.
Back in elementary school, if you liked
someone, you told your friend who told
their friend who told their friend who told
your crush in a constant game of telephone. Then in middle school, technology was advancing as AIM Messaging
and texting became the go-to tactic to
talk to that special someone. Now, in high
school, cell phones are glued to the hands
of couples as they have a relationship that
is totally dominated and captivated by
technology. Junior Nicole Batista says,
“I think that technology now makes relationships so much less personal and less
meaningful.”
TV shows and movies also portray this
progression in relationships: Catfish on Love in technology: Times have changed,, relationships
MTV, Pretty Little Liars on ABC Fam- are more based off of text messages and the web. Photo
ily, and The Social Network all reveal the by: Natalia cevallos
typical modern relationship. Catfish is the huge prospective advancements in technolnewest show on MTV that visits several ogy,” say senior Nick Polanco. “Relationrelationships solely based on technology, ships are always changing and it’s going to
mainly those started on online social net- be cool to see how my kids pick up girls or
works. “Social networks make it easier for guys in 2030.”

“The show is an eye opener to the world
of internet dating, and definitely scares me.
Dating has been a trend amongst young There is no real way to know who you’re
adults and teenagers for centuries. In recent talking to, someone you’re in love with can
years, it has become increasingly popular just be a fake,” says junior, Josie Laue.
On the season finale of the show, airing
and easier for young people to date through
the use of internet and social networking on February 18th, one of Charter’s alumni
sites such as Facebook. Catfish is a new hit will make an appearance. Felicia Clarke
series on MTV featuring this trend. The se- graduated from PPCHS in 2007 and will
ries, in its first season, highlights relation- be one of the many catfishes that have apships that start through the use of the web peared on the new hit reality series. Origiand follows the troubles that come along nally from New Jersey, Felicia says she first
came in contact with her prospective boywith it.
According to the producers of the show, friend, Mike, through a dating site while
a “catfish” is someone who pretends to be on vacation. She continues by saying, “We
someone they’re not and uses social media had this strong connection; I just wanted to
to create false identities. The show often continue talking to him so I never told him
highlights people who use false identities I lived in Florida. I made up excuses and
to begin relationships with others, proving lies on why I couldn’t meet until we finally
met on MTV.” Felicia claims that
unlike many other
catfish featured on
the show, she did
not lie about who
she was as a person
and did not create a
fake persona.
Many couples
that appear on the
series stay in contact through social
media after meeting through MTV
but choose not to
pursue a romantic
relationship. Mike
and Felicia on the
Catfish: Felicia Clarke, a PPCHS alumni, will be featured on the MTV show “Catother hand, chose
fish” for the season finale. Photo donated by: Felicia Clarke
to continue dating
the stereotypes of false internet dating to after MTV helped them to meet.
“Mike and I dated after the show and we
be true. Those who have engaged in an online relationship are given the opportunity loved each other very much…but in the
to meet the people they have been speak- end he broke my heart,” says Clarke.
The new series Catfish has proved to be
ing to and confront them in person. These
“catfish” often use other Facebook users’ a hit in the world of reality television. It
photos and names to portray an alter ego serves as proof that internet dating can be
and persona unlike their own, often blam- dangerous and misleading if precautionary
ing insecurity issues as the source. They measures are not followed. The series has
often scam other users into believing that definitely affected the lives of many, even
these alter egos are true and communicate a Charter Alumni. Make sure to watch the
with several people at once, using these season finale of Catfish on February 18th
at 11:00 p.m.!
fake profiles.

Caught in the Web

5

Features
February 2013

Public Relations

The CHAT Editorials:
The Definition of Beauty

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram- these three words will make a teenager’s eyes light up and
suddenly become attentive. These smartphone applications have worked themselves into
the typical teenager’s daily routine of scrolling, typing, liking, and retweeting. Personal
thoughts and opinions are shared; countless pictures are snapped, in the end all leading to
one result- the user being freely exposed to their friends, followers, and the entire World
Wide Web. There are many who believe “It’s not official until it’s Facebook official”.
In other words a romantic relationship is almost nonexistent if it hasn’t already been
publicized. It’s not an oddity for a couple to post a cute photo every once in a while, but
some even include their relationship status in their bios. “My heart belongs to so and so”,
“Happily taken by so and so”. Any way you word it, the message is very clear, and very
visible to all whom search or follow you. While many teenagers are absorbed in social
networking sites it’s up to them whether they want to publicize their personal life experiences and possibly relationship status.

Alexandra Sao
JOURNALISM I WRITER

Jordana Cutajar and Gaby Garcia
FEATURES EDITORS

PROS:
If Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram isn’t
aware of your new relationship, then it
practically isn’t happening at all. Today,
if you aren’t a proud user of one of these
social sites, then who are you really? Most
couples nowadays are fully aware of this;
social networking sites are the true test of
love in a relationship.
The dating world is a fierce one. For teenagers the emotions of jealousy, ecstasy, and
infatuation come far too easily. Once you
make your great catch, you would never
want to run the risk of losing it. In other
words, all precautions must be taken to
protect your new relationship against these

CONS:
While it’s great in the beginning to post
pictures of you and your significant other,
not all relationships are long lasting. So
many couples get caught up in the magic
of admitted mutual feelings, the first few
exciting dates, the infamous first kiss that
Taylor Swift describes as, “Makes your
head spin ‘round’”. Many teenagers fall
into that romantic cycle, and after only two
months of being on “top of the world,” the
pictures of your friends or even your dog
start to disappear. Unfortunately the thrill
of the chase and enthusiasm begins to quell
as both become more comfortable discovering all the secrets and thoughts of their

Graphic by: Julian Graves

negative emotions that have been manifested in others. Making your relationship
known is as easy as the click of a button.
When the word “Single” transforms itself
into “Taken” on your profile, your friends,
followers, and even strangers will know to
keep their hands off. When you’re young,
commitment is a touchy subject. You may
not be able to put a ring on your finger, but
a title is the closest you can get.
Many love birds will agree that one of the
most exciting stages in a relationship is the
beginning. The feeling of a new warm hand
in yours, the butterflies that seem to attack
you whenever your loved one catches your
eye and a racing heartbeat are sensations
that only belong to the victims of love. As
time goes on, feelings begin to fade, comfort begins to settle in, and the excitement
tragically disappears in too many situations. To keep the spark alive and the fire
blazing, sometimes a couple may need
outside support. When you publicize your
relationship openly, it is easy to find that
kind of support and fuel to keep going. For
example, when you post a picture online,
the resulting comments are often flattering
and confidence boosting. “You two are so
cute!” or “What a beautiful pair!” or even a
“Congratulations, you look so happy!” can
often be a casual reminder of the excitement you felt not so long ago. Sometimes,
you must see yourself reflected in others as
a reminder of all of the beautiful things you
are experiencing.
There is no doubt that times have changed
throughout the years. Nowadays, it’s rare
to stumble upon a printed photograph;
most of our memories and life happenings
are documented online and forever ingrained into technology instead. Pixels are
the new Polaroid’s, and who needs a pen
and paper when you can type it and tweet
it? Of course, this all in turn applies to relationships and the making of memories.

significant other. Not all relationships are
built to last, and many will find themselves
after the breakup with a bunch of photos
that all their friends liked and commented,
“You guys are so cute!”
While it may be pessimistic to think of
the duration of one’s relationship, caution
and privacy can save one humiliation and
maybe some extra unneeded sadness. It’s
rational for people to want some privacy,
and everyone is certainly entitled to it.
When a publicized relationship begins or
ends suddenly many people are aware of
it without the words even escaping one’s
lips. Bad breakups cause rumors to spread
as quickly as the time it took one to post
that once “adorable” photo.
When the news has settled and both are
ready to move on to new relationships,
there is a digital chronicle of one’s past
relationships available had the pictures
been removed. When a new significant
other sees these photos of “happy times”
they may become discouraged or even jealous of what once was. Not only that but
as your ex begins a new relationship and
starts posting statuses and new photos you
are the one on the other side of the screen
witnessing the budding new relationship
unfold. Everyone heals and moves on in
unique ways, regardless of the path chosen
most do not want to see or hear anything
about their ex and their new boyfriend or
girlfriend.
Over time we grow and can reflect on our
past relationships, each one teaching us
something. To become a young adult with
a collection of young frivolous relationships may cause a degree of shame or embarrassment as one progress in life. New
beginnings may be clouded by images of
the past.

They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. But why is it that the media has
such a big role in dictating the definition
of pretty? It seems that every day there is
a new trend to follow in order to be considered “attractive”. As time passes by, pop
culture’s definition of beauty seems to become increasingly narrower.
To some, being pretty is all about what’s
on the outside, not what’s on the inside.
For example, waking up two hours before
school starts to straighten their hair, or
wearing expensive, trendy clothes to show
off to their peers. The vast majority of today’s generation goes to great lengths to be
considered attractive. The media puts so
much emphasis on the exterior of females,
rather than the components that make them
an individual. Girls especially will try almost anything just to be noticed. Some
go to the extent of following every trend
that meets their eye in the monthly fashion magazine that arrives in the mail. What
girls today seem to forget is that there is no
specific style that the entire population will
consider “pretty”. Why can’t anyone just
accept who they are? We were all created
to be the best version of ourselves, not to
transform into someone we aren’t.
According to the media, a “pretty” girl,
is one who is thin, with blemish free skin
and flawless makeup. When exactly did a
magazine get to decide how people should
look? Who gave them such power? We as
Americans fought for our right to be able
to think, dress and act the way we wanted. Yet we try
to copy others
in order to fit
in. Nowadays,
many
people
have become archetypes of celebrities. Some
live to see what
their
favorite
star is wearing
the minute they
step out of their
house, and what
diet trick they
can sink their
teeth into. In my
opinion, it is not
at all attractive
to pass ten people on the street
and see seven
of them wearing
the exact same
type of clothing. What is the
fun in that? We
are supposed to
be individuals,
not pop culture
clones.
Not only do young members of society
feel pressured to follow trends, but also
they try to change their actual bodies. In
magazines, the celebrity women are shown
as ridiculously disproportioned with microscopic waist lines, collagen injected lips,
and even breast augmentations. Honestly,
who really needs to change themselves that
much? I believe that everyone is a certain
shape and size for a reason; they look their
best when they have their natural physique. Life itself is a wondrous thing; we
are all individually crafted individuals with
our all own personal attributes. Our bodies function in a specific way which when
treated healthily, is meant to run smoothly.
It is sad that some people aren’t satisfied
with what they were given. Even more disappointing is the behind-the-scenes people
that common folk have never even met;
these people play a huge role in dictating
how others should look. In reality everyone
should love themselves the way they are. It
is understandable for a woman to feel the
need to fit in with modern-day society, but

they shouldn’t go to risky extremes such
as plastic surgery. Not only is going under
the knife not completely safe, but also it
can have long term disadvantages. Every
few years, implants must be removed or
new ones must be reinserted because they
lose their shape. Isn’t it so much easier to
stay natural? Your body doesn’t have to be
retouched up every couple of years, so why
put yourself in a position where annual enhancement would be necessary?
Though plastic surgery is a risk today’s
women undergo, it is not the only one.
Binge eating is another agent in which females often face unhealthy consequences.
Binge eating is a type of dieting where the
person eats, and then purges their food. It
sounds horrific and sadly many women
feel such a strong desire to be skinny that
they actually put their bodies in harm’s
way. Binge eating not only causes health
problems such as heart failure, fatigue and
the decaying of teeth, but also overtime it
may lead to death. Binge eating can lead to
a disorder known as Bulimia. Those suffering from Bulimia compulsively purge after
eating or at times not eat at all (known as
Anorexia Nervosa). They find it very hard
to quit their harsh dieting habits. I find it
hard to understand why someone would
go to such lengths in order to be skinny
as society says they should be. No matter
what is considered pretty, people should
never have to go to the point of hurting
themselves in order to succeed in fitting
in.
A bit of extra priming in the morning or
reapplying lip gloss throughout the day is

Cartoon by: Emily Semander

normal. As long as you aren’t hurting your
body or becoming obsessed with attempting to be perfect, there is nothing wrong
with trying to look your best. As teens, it is
natural to want a sense of social belonging.
No matter what is on the cover of magazines, or what the trend of the month may
be, the definition of beauty is very broad.
No one is perfect, but there are many ways
to achieve a state of looking good. Everyone is beautiful in their own way, big or
small, everyone has something that makes
them unique, and that is what beauty doubtlessly is. True beauty is being able to accept your flaws and still being able to love
yourself. For someone to love you, you
must love yourself. So no matter what you
look like, you can still take each step being
confident that no one else in this world is
exactly like you. Be yourself and don’t let
anyone tell you that you aren’t beautiful.
Beauty is not forced nor created; it is about
the uniqueness in you that is radiated.

Environmental
February 2013

6 Valentine’s Day:

A gift for Mother Earth

day. People feel that like they have to
give all these gifts, but most of the time
they will just end up in the trash a few
days later.”
As Valentine’s Day has become increasingChocolate has also been associated
ly commercial it has become more imperawith Valentine’s Day. The lovely pink
tive than ever to receive something red,
and red heart shaped boxes delicately
pink, or sweet on the most romantic day of
decorated containing delectable
the year. No one wants to be the “forchocolates are customarily exgotten” one with no flowers or sweets
changed. Similar to the flowers,
to hold on February 14th. As a result
about 70 percent of chocolate
men and women go to great lengths to
is important from West Africa
ensure that everyone on their list is ac(mnn.com). West African workcounted for. Flowers, cards, candies,
ers are typically mistreated and
and even jewelry are purchased on this
do not participate in agriculturday in an attempt to show affection, but
al sustainability.
once the day is over a good portion of
As the cliché goes, “Every
these gifts end up in the trash.
woman loves diamonds”. And
It seems that not too long ago Ameriapparently Valentine’s Day
can’s would walk to their quaint neighis the best day to give them.
borhood florist shops to purchase
More diamond jewelry is purbouquets for their loved ones. Today
chased on February 14th than
those colorful arrangements are easany other day of the year. Diaily accessible in grocery stores and
mond mining, as well as minsuper markets. Most of these flowers
ing for other precious stones,
are grown in Colombia or Ecuador and
is dangerous and extremely
then are dashed with different types of
detrimental to the environment.
chemicals. The flowers are then boxed
Most diamond miners are irreand kept refrigerated as they travel
sponsible and mining leads to
thousands of miles emitting toxic polsoil erosion, deforestation, and
lutants into the environment. The Green world: An eco-friendly Valentine’s Day is sure to show some
the relocation of local populachemicals being used on these plants love to the planet. Graphic By: Nick Lee Yee
tions (brilliantearth.com).
were banned in America, and have detWhile everyone can get caught
rimental effects on workers and the envito our entire class, and of course a special
up in the whirlwind romance of Valenronment. A lot of flowers are also bred in card for our favorite teacher. Now that we
tine’s Day, the decisions that people
European labs where the duration of the are older we still exchange cards, only they
make can negatively impact the envibloom is extended and the colors are freare larger and more grown up, but there are
ronment. Every rose, chocolate, card, or
quently altered. Every rose in every color still hundreds of thousands of little kids,
diamond that people exchange provides
contributes to the 321 million flowers that couples, spouses, friends, and other family
an excessive drain on Earth’s natural
are purchased each year. It is perhaps the members exchanging cards on the most roresources. Perhaps this Valentine’s Day
most popular flower giving day right up
mantic day of the year. Each year 180 mileveryone should aim to give mother
there with Mother’s Day (smithsonianmag. lion Valentine’s Day cards are exchanged!
Earth a gift, so that there can continue to
com).
That’s enough to wrap around the Earth five
be more holidays for future generations.
Senior Brianna Bauman said, “It’s not fair times over! (statisticbrain.com)
Have a green Valentine’s Day!
for us to consume all of these resources.
Junior Alexandra Leno said, “Valentine’s
Trees are being cut down every second,
Day has become a very commercial holi-

Jordana Cutajar
FEATURES EDITOR

and forests, which have the greatest biodiversity, are being wiped out. We should live
more simplistically, and focus on the person
not the material. If a person can’t do that
they should at least recycle.”
When we were in elementary school it was
customary to give Valentine’s Day cards

The benefits of being single

Not having a boyfriend or girlfriend will
allow students to focus more on themselves
and not on other people. As growing teenagers, it’s important for students to find
themselves and grow into the people that
they wish to be, without someone holding
their hand the entire step of the way. For
students to successfully make it on their
own, they must gain self-confidence and
self-reliance. Such independence is the key
to growing in the world today. Although it
is important for students to surround them-

Around the holidays, especially on
Valentine’s Day, many teenagers tend to
Valentine’s Day may be widely known as
think that they “need” to have a special
the day for love and romance galore, but
someone in their lives. This common
the celebrated holiday does not require
and very cliché thought is almost unianyone to be in a relationship to enjoy it.
versal.
Although being in a relationship allows
“A lot of people go out of their way on
people to grow close, fall in love, and exValentine’s Day and other holidays when
pand their lifestyles, it is not the only choice
they’re in a relationship,” said junior Olthat people have to ensure happiness in
ivia Hamilton. “It’s as if they feel forced
their lives. Being single, even on Valentine’s
to do something romantic and cute just
Day, comes with certain benefits that many
because they’re in a relationship.”
people are not aware of.
High school couples
Being in a relationtend to represent
ship requires full comthese thoughts and
mitment and time; two
ideas because of the
things that many stulengths that they’re
dents have trouble givwilling to take to
ing. Late night phone
make their significalls, daily text messagcant other happy.
es, and undivided attenThis hard work may
tion can sometimes be
be romantic, but it’s
hard to offer if someone
also stressful as well.
is living a busy lifestyle.
Planning surprises,
“My junior year has
new dates, and gift
kept me far busier than I
ideas can sometimes
ever expected. Not only
put an emotional
do I take AP classes,
and physical toll on
but I am also dually enstudents. With so
rolled at Broward Colmuch going on, their
lege, while doing my
stress levels just rise
best to maintain my job
as more things are
while working at a sushi
added on. Somerestaurant. I have absotimes, the presence
lutely no time for a relaof a relationship can
tionship,” stated junior
be one of the main
Jessi Rowe.
causes of the stress.
Single and content: Some PPCHS students prefer to be single and enjoy the company of friends
As high school stu- than be in a relationship with a significant other. Photo By: Natalia Cevallos
Whether it is that
dents, many teenagers
the couple is arguing
find themselves too busy with school, jobs,
selves with loving friends and family, someor that their anniversary is coming up
and other extracurricular activities to make
times a close-knit relationship isn’t the best
and they’re having trouble making plans,
time for a guy or girl in their lives. There
answer for everyone.
relationships can provide a lot of high
is always homework to do, practice to at“I think it’s important for people to grow
school students with unnecessary stress.
tend, or work to be attended to, causing
on their own before they learn to grow with
“School, clubs, and other extracurricumany students to surrender their love lives.
another person,” said senior Rendell Almelar activities that I am a part of already
But this surrender of a relationship allows
ria. “Being in a relationship is a great feelstress me out enough,” stated junior Jada
a student to focus on both school and their
ing, but being an independent and confiHemming. “I know a lot of couples, and
future.
dent person feels better.”
trust me, I don’t think that I can handle
“Not being in a relationship isn’t a bad
Many students think that facing their fuany more troubles on my plate.”
thing, it actually allows me to focus on the
tures alone seems much scarier than facing
Relationships offer and hold many opimportant things I need to do before I move
it with someone beside them. And in some
portunities and beautiful qualities, howon to college. I just think that at this time
cases that may be true, but a sense of indiever so does being single. Teenagers do
in my life a relationship would distract me
viduality is one of the healthiest qualities
not have to be in love to be happy or celmore than it would help me,” added Rowe.
that a teenager can possess.
ebrate Valentine’s Day.
Victoria Alvarez
ENVIRONMENTAL/HEALTH EDITOR

The CHAT
Editorials:

Healthy relationships worth
the heartache
Chelsi Chang
STAFF WRITER

Over the course of everyone’s lives, people encounter all kinds of relationships. Whether it is
romantic, platonic, professional, or otherwise,
these relationships shape people’s everyday lives.
They affect their emotions, choices, and lifestyles. When a person decides to invite someone
into their personal life and put their walls down,
it is a profound moment. They do this because the
people that they choose to let in make a significant
impact in their lives. These individuals play a vital
role in people’s thoughts and opinions, and can
potentially sway a person in a different direction
when making life-changing decisions. However,
sometimes, the people that individuals decide to
put in their lives aren’t particularly healthy for
them, but other times, the association may be exactly what they need.
Some relationships create a feeling of sheer bliss
between both partners, allowing the honeymoon
phase to last forever. This honeymoon phase may
feel good from the inside, but from the outside
looking in, it leads down a dangerous path. Many
teenagers begin to isolate their friends and family members when in a relationship without even
noticing. This is bad for several reasons, the main
one being that if the relationship ends, all that person’s friends are too upset to help them through
the breakup. This story has been the end of too
many friendships in high school. The fear of losing their partner by not being there all the time in
turn allows that one person to become their whole
life; this thrusts a beautiful relationship into an
unhealthy downfall.
However, such a relationship is completely
avoidable. By simply allowing each other to have
space to still be with friends, go out on Friday
nights, and have a life outside of the relationship,
this will be the healthiest approach. This way, a
person’s life is neither consumed with a partner
or their friends. Letting go of the small things,
such as not walking to each class together or sitting at the same lunch table every single day, can
make a huge difference. Young love is a beautiful
thing, as long as it’s not controlling. It is important to have balance in a person’s relationship life.
It’s important to know that it’s normal and okay
to have an intimate relationship with a significant
other but one mustn’t forget the outside life with
friends and family as well.
One senior, Gabby Rosario, is in a relationship
and says simply, “Relationships are mainly good,
if you’re not too possessive with each other and
you’re not obsessive.”
No relationship is perfect and of course there
will be ups and downs-- that’s normal, in fact it’s
healthy! Many couples have their fights, but most
come out stronger than before because they find
out more about that person they are in a relationship with. They get to see the raw person, without
the “perfect mate” façade. These ‘tests’ in the relationship really make a person think about how
much that person means to them when they’re not
talking.
“When you’re in a relationship and you’re in love
with somebody, you’re just on top of the world
and nothing can stop you from being happy,” said
senior Kassie Diaz. Being in a healthy relationship
in high school can help many students in different
aspects of their lives. Being in a relationship can
make you feel confident and at ease because that
person knows that at the end of the day there is
someone who loves them past all of their flaws.
There is someone that knows you in a more intimate way and knows you better than anyone else.
This leads a person to feel more confident about
themselves and the decisions they make.
Interactions with others are one of the only things
that are guaranteed to happen every day. Studies
show that people in harmful relationships are
usually more stressed out. People who immerse
themselves in helpful relationships usually live
longer and happier lives (PMC.org). Smiling and
laughter is good for the heart, so naturally, being
around friends and partners that bring such energy
will only bring more light into one’s life.
There are many things in life that a person can
and can’t choose; one thing you can choose is
who to date and who to bestow friendship upon.
Almost all of these decisions are made without a
second thought, but in the end can be extremely
powerful. It’s important that teenagers pick the
people who will be there for them in their times
of need and help them believe in themselves. In
both friendships and relationships, fighting is inevitable. If this fight is over a person who is worth
stressing out over, then it’s probably worth it.

The CHAT Editorials:
Technology steals the hearts of many
Looghermine Claude
STAFF WRITER

Take a look at the Pines Charter hallways in between classes and see the bright,
glowing screens of cellphones, iPods, and
a countless number of other electronics
shining on the faces of students. From way
back in the 1990’s to now in the 2010’s,
technology has changed drastically and so
have students’ uses with them. Now with
the rapid changes that are occurring, you
can see revolutionary gadgets affecting
even the most intimate areas of high school
lives: relationships. Updates in the tech
world are constantly affecting the way students communicate with their “other half”.
For the most part, social networking has
ruined the concept of getting to know another person. Nowadays, before one meets
or even talks to a person of the opposite
gender, they know practically everything
about them from sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Only in history textbooks can you find the times when people
talked about their likes, dislikes, and hobbies. Here in the age of technology where
information is out everywhere, there is an

instant knowledge about everyone anyone
has wanted to meet.
There are infinite posts and tweets on the
internet depicting the love life of everyone
in school. It seems like there is not any
privacy left for couples. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have been the tools used
by everyone to display their love life to the
world. There is virtually no more privacy.
The secret hush-hush meetings of couples
have been replaced with a world of tweets,
statuses, and posts.
“People are starting to put up more things
about their relationships online than they
used to in the past,” says sophomore Soraya Lopez. “It gives people a chance to say
things about their lives that we sometimes
don’t want to hear.”
Today the thumbs have taken over the
mouths. Though asking a girl out in person
is still alive in today’s society, many don’t
bother to talk to their partner that much
face-to-face. Couples are now relying on
text messaging to tell their other about
their day, life, and other events. With the
outpouring of new apps, there are dozens
of ways for couples to communicate with

7
each other that don’t include the simple
in person conversations. The times have
changed and so have the ways couples
used to be.
But technology has not completely ruined
relationships. The efficiency brought on by
text messages has given couples an instant
response to messages sent. There are no
more long horse rides to your lover’s house
to give her a letter to begin your courtship.
In an instant, people can check up on their
soul mates. New apps and features have
given partners access to a range of methods to contact and connect with each other.
Now, with a cellphone, couples can keep in
touch even if they are on opposite sides of
the world.
“I think technology has helped kids in our
school get to know each other better. Texting has allowed us to learn to learn things
about each other that we may not necessarily be able to talk about in school,” says
freshman Genesis Vesco. “Also, you don’t
see a lot of kids around campus so social
networking sites help us meet other students.”
The ever changing bank of technology has

Technology
February 2013

Locked in love: Modern couples are constantly together thanks to tech. Photo By: Natalia Cevallos

affected students’ relationships for the better and for the worse. The gizmos available
to teenagers today have changed their conversations from in person to ones across
multiple digital networks. High school students might have lost the personal touch of
having face-to-face conversations, but have
gained access to a worldwide database that
shares everything. The list of effects is
endless, but there is one thing students can
be sure of: technology has shaped the lives
of teenager relationships forever.

It’s never too late for some Competition: Blackberry Z10
Alexandra Mangano
TECHNOLOGY EDITOR

A generation late, the blackberry companies finally redeem themselves from a big
hit. Many people who owned blackberry’s
first fell in love with these hand-held device
that could access anything. Now more than
ever, more and more companies have been
producing smart phones. One company
that has significantly impacted the world in
this industry is Apple. It seems nowadays
that everyone owns an apple product, most
commonly the popular iPhone.
Many “Crack berry” fanatics turned over
to iPhones but still have feelings attached
to their old BlackBerry devices. “The only
reason why I have an iPhone is because
it is the newest technological device out

there. I love having the most advanced cellphones; however I do miss my blackberry,
and cannot wait until this Blackberry Z10
comes out,” explains Junior Galit Sims.
The expected release date for this new device is in May or June of 2013.
The Blackberry Z10 is a spinoff of the
iPhone. The touch screen device has also
a visible keyboard that attracts most blackberry users. The phone will be produced in
both black and white which is a standard
color for most cell phones. With expectations continuously rising, pioneers are assured that this technological advancement
will be popular for a lengthy time (cnn.
com). “I love the blackberry keyboard. It is
much better than the touchscreen keyboard
on the iPhone anyway. I think with so

many users being frustrated over apple technology, some might switch
back to BlackBerrys,” states Senior
Ashley Klapper on the features of
the new Z10.
There has been much struggle with
producing this new device, however
to some it is all worth it in the end.
The high demand for fast multimedia and applications is what the
Blackberry Z10 has to offer. It is possible that blackberry might regain its
power that it once had. According to
CNN.com, engineers and pioneers
are hopeful that loyal blackberry users will love the Z10 and others will
go back to the original smartphone;
the BlackBerry.

Blackeberry Z10: The next conteneder to the iPhone throne
steps up to bat. Graphic By: Julian Graves

Protecting your phone 101

Sent from mobile

In a world where people spend
the majority of their day with
their cell phones glued to their
hands, the risk of personal information slipping into the wrong
hands is very high. However,
protecting your information from
getting in the wrong hands is just
one worry that many may deal
with on a daily basis. Another
worry is the risk of physically
damaging the device that is in the
palm of your hands. Both worries are due to the problems that
occur often in our world based on
Case Care: A case goes a long way to preventing a cracked
technology.
screen. Photo By: Alex Monge
In recent events, multiple accounts on social networking websites such
as Twitter and Facebook have had breaches also give their users options if their phone
in their security and users have been get- is misplaced or lost with the application,
ting hacked. It is cases like this that causes Find My iPhone. This app allows you to
hesitation for many on what information locate, lock or erase your phone, so that
they should have stored in these accounts. your information cannot be compromised.
However, many link these personal acAnother issue that concerns many smartcounts to their phones, which can increase phone owners is the possibility of doing
these hacking occurrences unfortunately. physical damage to their delicate devices.
As of recently, Twitter sent out a few tips This worry had led to the booming industry
to protect their millions of users to falling of cases and screen protectors that are sold
prey to hackers. Some tips are: having a in the millions. Phones are easily broken
strong password with a combination of up- if they are not taken proper care of. “Some
per and lower case words along with num- cases can be very expensive, but it’s worth
bers and symbols. Another is to not have the protection of your phone. Leaving it
the same password for multiple accounts. bare is the worst thing to do. Investing in
Junior Adrian Dunbar is a bit hesitant to an Otter Box or Lifeproof case is good,”
believe that just a strong password can pro- says junior, Shelby Watson.
tect you. He thinks, “People can hack your
Cases for your smartphones, like the Otaccount if they really want too. There are ter Box or Lifeproof cases, are good inso many types of coding and programs that vestments. Prices for Samsung cases range
people have designed purely for the use of from $25 to $60 while iPhone cases range
hacking. If you do get hacked, all I can say from $15 to $60. Despite their high prices,
is hope that they didn’t happen to change they can prevent the destruction of a $250+
your password, and if they did then reset it phone. Any type of case in the long run is
and start over.”
better than no case at all.
Having so many accounts linked to your
The technology age is at an all-time high,
cellular device can be a problem too. Ac- and the possibility of something going
counts like Twitter, Facebook, and Ins- wrong is there. Whether you unlink your
tagram may be the only accounts you are personal accounts from your phone or use
connected to now, but if you connect to lock passcodes for protection, it is imporyour banking account later, then securing tant to be cautious of both the threat of losyour phone with a lock passcode is one way ing valuable personal information and the
to try to protect you information. IPhones phone itself.

Facebook is one of the most popular and
most visited websites in existence. In the
past few years it has developed, changed,
and added many features which include
video chats, timelines, groups, and the
mobile application. Recently, the mobile
aspect of Facebook has been growing at an
exponential rate; it is now being used by
more than half of the people on Facebook.
“I prefer the mobile Facebook because I
can take it anywhere and see what’s going
on while the desktop can’t be taken with
you everywhere. Also the mobile Facebook is easier to update your stuff and you
are able to look at it whenever and wherever you are and you don’t have to worry
about turning on and logging into your
desktop because the mobile Facebook app
is easy to log on to. I like to have Facebook
right there in my palm,” says junior Georgia Goldstein
Facebook has become the number one
mobile site; users spend almost twice as
much time on Facebook mobile than they
do on Google. Of course, there are pros
and cons to choosing a mobile platform
or a stationary platform which have to be
taken into consideration when asking why
so many users have stopped using their
computers and have started using their
phones and tablets to access Facebook.
“While the mobile version of Facebook is
great on the go, the desktop version gives
you more features, plus it’s spaced out and
clearer than its counterpart,” says senior JP
Serrano.
Whether it is on the go or on the computer, Facebook has become a big part of
everyday life and is important for communication, it has come so far since it was
invented and it will keep evolving in the
years to come. “I like the desktop version
a lot more, because I feel like the mobile
version is a lot harder to access. I have an
android, and Facebook loads really slowly
on it. It shows a lot of posts out of order,
which is pretty annoying because I mostly
use Facebook for clubs, and all the group
pages load funny, so I hardly ever use it.
On my phone, there’s a separate app for the
messenger and I like using that a lot be-

Chelsie Ramos
STAFF WRITER

Joshua Alleman
MANAGING EDITOR – LAYOUT

cause it’s simple and great for group messaging,” says sophomore Kelsey Farenhem. Only time will tell what will happen
to this huge website in the future.

Pros of Desktop

• The desktop version has more features
than the mobile version has and is easier to
navigate without going to multiple screens
like on the mobile app
• Desktops usually load much more quickly than the internet connection of phones
• The ads are less in engaging and don’t
distract the user as much from their activities, unlike the mobile app which allows
the ad to fill up the whole or most of the
screen

Desktop V. Mobile: Different ways to get on, still
same old Facebook. Photo By: Rebecca Gonzalez

Pros of Mobile

• Facebook is more focused on mobile and
will be developing special features for it in
the next few years
• Easier access and on the go use is a
definite plus; status updates, pictures, and
most other Facebook activities can be done
while being anywhere with internet
• The mobile app on a phone or tablet
can automatically send notifications to the
home screen or calendar to allow users to
stay updated without having the app open
on the screen

Sports
February 2013

8

Jesse Gonzalez, Senior, right fielder
Jesse Gonzalez is a seasoned veteran and
will be a leader for this younger Jaguars
baseball team. An occasional starter last
year, Gonzalez has burst on to the scene in
the preseason and looks to be one of the
main producers on the team.
“We have a lot more chemistry this year,”
says Gonzalez. “Our goal as a team is to
play hard and pick each other up whenever
we make mistakes. If we can do that, our
team can do some pretty big things this
year and win a lot of games.”
As an individual, Gonzalez is looking
forward to a breakout senior season and if
his success so far is any indicator, there are
some good things to come from this Jaguar
outfielder.
“I’ve played baseball for 14 years now,”
said Gonzalez, “I love to play baseball and
the game is extremely important to me because it has been a part of my life for such
a long time.”
Danny Melgarejo, junior, pitcher
Junior Danny Melgarejo is a star pitcher
for the Jaguars varsity baseball team this
season. Last year, Danny made the varsity
team as a sophomore and is ready to now
have a bigger role in the rotation. “I think
I can carry the team deep into games by
keeping the games close for our offense
to do their thing,” he stated. After losing
more than 10 seniors last season, the varsity team is searching for guys to step up
and become great team leaders.
Despite this, Danny believes the team has
a good shot at their first district championship and may even go farther than last year.
This junior began playing baseball when he
was just 4 years old and has always had a
passion for the game. Danny’s aspirations
for the future include going to a Division 1
college. Danny said, “I would love to play
at FSU, but really any D1 or high D2 is
good. Who knows, maybe the big leagues
will be in the picture too one day.”
With Danny’s leadership and command
on the mound, the Jags varsity baseball
team is ready to do big things this year behind one of Charter’s most promising athletes in baseball.

Most promising Baseball and Softball players at Charter

Jamie Gonzalez, junior, catcher
At the age of 8, Pines Charter starting
catcher Jamie Gonzalez first picked up a
softball. At that moment she had no idea
how much that ball and the sport would
change her life.
“I actually started off in dance and cheerleading and then one of my closest friends
had left cheer to play softball so I tried it
out and loved it,” said Jamie Gonzalez.
She follows in her brother’s footsteps,
a standout baseball player on the varsity
team and a senior at PPCHS. The morals of toughness she learned from him are
definitely demonstrated as she consistently
battles bruises and sore muscles to stay in
the game for the Jags. Besides catcher, she
really is a true utility player, with all the
attributes to play at any position.
“I just love the sport so much. My favorite
thing would be practicing a play and then
executing it perfectly in a game,” Gonzalez
added. “I get this feeling of accomplishment that is indescribable.”
Hopefully Jamie can continue her success in executing these plays and can help
bring Pines Charter back to the top of the
podium.

Courtney Dart, junior, shortstop
Since the age of 5, Courtney Dart has
been playing softball. Her dad got her interested in the sport and he became her
biggest motivation throughout her softball
career. Now, she continues that career with
the PPCHS girls’ softball team and their
journey to maintain the title of state champions.
She is the shortstop of the team and can
occasionally pitch as well. As a sophomore
on last year’s varsity team, Dart helped
the team go all the way to states and win
it all. Now in her junior year, she hopes to
help the team make it back to states to defend their title they earned last year. “We
are better than last year’s team,” said Dart.
“We can go to states,” she states adamantly. Her ultimate goal is to win states for a
second year in a row. She also wants to
help the team perform their best.
Currently, Dart wants to play softball at
the University of Nebraska after graduating. Whether it’s for pitching or for playing
in the infield, she is ready to play to her
fullest potential. Courtney Dart is ready to
help lead this team to states and win, just
like last year.
Photos by: CHAT Photo Staff

The Florida Gators and the Miami Hurricanes basketball teams have truly stood out
this season as some of the top schools in
the nation. With pure talent and teamwork,
both teams have rose to the challenge day
in and day out.
For several years the Florida Gators have
dominated the SEC and most of the nation
in college basketball. Once again the Gators are at the top of their conference and
are crushing their familiar foes. With an
9-1 record within their conference, Florida
has much breathing room heading into the
NCAA Tournament in March. As a matter
of fact, their only inner-conference loss
came to an unranked Arkansas team on the
road on February 5th. The Gators are currently ranked #7 in all of college basketball
and are led by senior guard Kenny Boynton and senior forward Patrick Young. Key
wins against Missouri, Wisconsin, and Ole
Miss have highlighted their season so far
as they have a current record of 20-3. Head
coach Billy Donavan has done an outstanding job with his team as he remains one of

the best coaches in all of college basketball.
“The Gators never fail to impress,” said senior Brandon Rosen. “Hopefully they are
able to make a deep run and cut down the
nets in March.”
As the Gators keep rolling, the Miami
Hurricanes have been one of the most
surprising teams in college basketball
this season. The canes are undefeated in
conference play with an impressive 10-0
record including a 27-point blowout victory against rival Duke Blue Devils. Led
by senior forwards Kenny Kadji and Reggie Johnson, the Canes have an identical
20-3 record with the Gators. Head coach
Jim Larranaga has truly impacted the team
as he preaches defense and teamwork every time his team takes the court. Besides
beating the former #1 team in Duke, Miami has taken down Michigan State and a
strong NC State on the road after forward
Reggie Johnson tipped in a game-winning
shot with less than one second remaining.
The Canes are opening all eyes across the
nation and are instilling hope in their loyal
fans who are waiting for a championship.
They are currently ranked #3 in all of col-

lege basketball.
“It’s unbelievable what the Canes have
been able to accomplish so far this season,”
said sophomore fan Nick Del Mazo. “I
can’t wait to see what they do in the tournament and the rest of the season.”
Florida and Miami are certainly teams to

Jake Jacobs, junior, centerfielder
Junior center fielder Jake Jacobs returns
for his second year on varsity as one of the
premier players in the county. Making the
Sun-Sentinel Honorable Mention team as
only a sophomore last year, he feels this
is his year to really stand out. His combination of speed, arm strength, fielding,
power, and batting average makes him a
five-tool player.
“Baseball is my passion, and I feel ready
this year more than ever to break out,” said
Jacobs. “We have the team to make it far
this year.”
Any success the Jags have this year will
have to go through Jacobs. As an upperclassman, Jacobs understands the leadership role he must fulfill. He will look to
build on his success of last year, specifically noting he wants to raise his average
above .400 and steal more bases. If Jacobs
can have the season he is capable of having, the future for the varsity team is bright.
Victoria Gonzalez, senior, first base
Victoria Gonzalez is a tri athlete who
plays basketball, volleyball, and softball.
She dominates in every sport she plays
whether it’s shooting hoops or pounding
the softball over the fence for a home run.
It is no wonder why Victoria Gonzalez is
one of Charter’s most promising athletes.
Gonzalez started playing softball at the
young age of four, when her dad got her
into the sport. Since playing for PPCHS,
she works out every day through conditioning and practice. She is currently the
first baseman of the team. Last year, she
had a .444 batting average with 12 home
runs. In Thursday’s double header, she hit
4 homeruns.
“We are going to have a lot of pressure on
us this year, because we are state champs,”
said Gonzalez. “Everyone wants to beat
us.”
Her goal is to get to states and win again.
For college, Gonzalez got a full ride to
Palm Beach Atlantic.
“I want to be the best leader I can be to
better myself and my team,” said Gonzalez. “I will do what I can to help the team
and win states.”

look out for once the 64-team tournament
comes around in March. The stakes are
high for both teams as they seek to make a
Final Four run. There’s still much basketball to be played and the Gators and Canes
are determined to achieve something special in the big dance.

College Basketball: The Gators and Hurricanes are proving that Florida teams currently stand out amongst all
other college basketball teams. Graphic by: Armando Urena

The Push toward National Immigration Reform
David Nabors
SPORTS EDITOR

According to the Center for Immigration
Studies, there are approximately 11 million illegal immigrants living in the United
States today. Though they have broken the
federal law, most would agree that something must soon be done not only to secure
the country’s borders for the future to ensure safety and government efficiency, but
also to address the legal status of so many
illegal immigrants who are here already.
Debate over the issue by Washington lawmakers has begun and all early indications
show that it will be both a fiery and intriguing deliberation.
“I hope any new law passed will be fair,”
said senior Bryan Villa, who is the son of
legal immigrants. “I think it’s important
that the illegal immigration problem is
fixed and that it is done in a way that makes
sense.”
In 1986, the Immigration Reform and
Control Act (IRCA) granted legal status
to about 3 million formerly illegal immigrants that had entered the country before
1982. Ultimately, the act dealt with the legal status of illegal immigrants who were
already living in the United States but did
very little to curb illegal immigration or
secure the border. In recent years several
states have approved their own versions
of the DREAM Act, a Senate bill that pro-

vides a pathway to citizenship for young
illegal immigrants who graduate from high
school and have lived in the country continuously for five years or more. Just last
year, President Obama issued an executive order that created a deferral program
called Consideration of Deferred Action
for Childhood Arrivals, which allowed immigrants who entered the country illegally
when they were children to remain and
work without being deported for at least
two years.
“I think the biggest problem is that we
don’t know how to properly utilize the
skill set that some of these immigrants
possess,” said senior Debate team captain
Daniel Kalter. “We should fix it by making
citizenship more accessible to working immigrants.”
The United States has always been a nation of immigrants and undoubtedly immigration has always played a key role in the
country’s success. However, over the last
few years and decades it has become very
apparent that a lack of enforcement of immigration laws can have devastating consequences on fiscal policy and economic
vitality. Immigration rates have slowed in
the most recent years, most likely due to
the struggling economy. And while most
efforts toward meaningful immigration
reform include the granting of green cards

for undocumented immigrants obtaining
advanced science, mathematical, and engineering degrees, there are relatively few
who will meet the standard for this exemption. More than a million immigrants, legal
and illegal, enter the United States every
year and as a group, they generally have
less education and fewer skills than the av-

Graphic by: Armando Urena

erage U.S. citizen. Immigrants, legal and
illegal, also consume three times as much
in government benefits as they pay in
taxes. Many would also argue that uncontrolled immigration can have distressing
effects on the economy, especially during
prolonged times of high unemployment
such as these. Additionally, the Patient
Protection and Affordable Care Act signed
into law in 2010 does not provide coverage

Start planning ahead with the College Fair
Chelsie Ramos
STAFF WRITER

It always happens at big gatherings:
someone brings up the topic of the future.
For some, that topic can be one that they
love talking about, while for others it is
one that they cringe at. Thinking past high
school, college is the next thing on the horizon, some people know automatically
where they see themselves, while others
have difficulty getting past the initial idea
of moving on. Choosing colleges can be
a scary thing, the options and ranges to
choose from are abundant. For this very
reason Mr. Greenbaum and Mrs. Cabeza
have teamed up together again for the second year in a row to host College Fair.
This event occurred last year during the
school day at our very own school gymnasium; however, this year the fair will take
place February 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
in the gymnasium to allow parents to also
participate in the planning for the future.
Together Mr. Greenbaum and Mrs. Cabeza
are creating a “one stop shopping for in-

formation on schools and their admissions couraged to begin their college process earprocess and course studies,” says Mrs. Ca- ly on in their high school careers. Howevbeza, English I teacher. Reps from schools er, the fair is geared toward juniors mainly
both in state and out of state will be pres- since they are only a year away from makent at the occasion,
ing the big choice
allowing students
as to where they
and parents to get
will spend the
the needed infornext four years of
mation about multheir life. Junior
tiple schools in a
Courtney Merolle
contained and easy
says, “I think it
manner. 47 schools
is a great event
are slated to visit
because it gives
our very own Jagkids a chance to
uar gym, with out of
take some time
state colleges such
and talk to colas Cornell Univerleges from across
Fair: Students at PPCHS are ready for the upcomsity and Boston’s College
the
country. Also
ming college fair at the end of the month. Photo by: Natalia
Pharmaceutical Col- Cevallos
now since parents
lege on the list.
are able to go it alCollege is something that everyone wor- lows them a chance to hear all the informaries about, which is the reason as to why tion first hand from the colleges too.”
everyone is welcome to attend the College
But no school event can go on without
Fair. Freshmen and sophomores are en- help, which is why parents are being asked

What’s next for Hillary Clinton?

Haley Coolidge

position. Clinton’s main reason behind resigning from her 4 year term as Secretary
After February 4th, 2013, Hillary Clinton of State is simply her health. She was diwill no longer be able to call the Depart- agnosed with a blood clot in her head and
ment of State her home. On February 1st, planned to step down from office as soon
Clinton announced her resignation from as someone was available to take her spot.
Secretary of State around 4:00pm. Her po- As she stepped down, her successor John
litical career started when her husband Bill Kerry took oath into office later that day.
A letter that Clinton wrote to Obama
Clinton became governor while she was
a big time lawyer. She became very well right before she resigned read, “I am more
convinced than ever in
known as the 42nd first
the strength and staylady during her husing power of America’s
band’s presidency term
global leadership and
from 1993-2001. Even
our capacity to be a
though she had some
force for good in the
failed attempts as first
world.”
lady, she was known
The next big question
for her dignity and peron everyone’s minds is
severance. Later, her
whether Clinton will try
attempt to become the
for presidency again in
1st woman president in
2016. After her attempt
2008 ended when she
in 2008, her status has
lost the primary to by
improved with her posiBarack Obama.
“Even though Hillary
Graphic by: Armando Urena tion and experience as
Clinton did have many failed attempts at the Secretary of State. Some may say that
bettering the United States, I still think that she isn’t ready for the stress that presidency
she is a great role model to all women who brings, while others think that she is more
may want a job in the government,” said than capable to become our first woman
president. However, in a recent interview
junior Melissa Wagner.
Aside from Clinton’s unsuccessful efforts, for the Washington Post, Clinton stated
she has come very far in the government that: “After a rest, I would like to devote
world. She has restored American cred- myself to writing, teaching and other good
ibility around the world with missions works.”
As of now nobody knows what’s next for
like hers to Burma where she supported
party reform that supports human rights. Clinton in politics; we will just have to
In addition to unsuccessfully running for wait and see what the future holds for her
president in 2008, she was elected into the and for our nation.
US senate and held a federal cabinet level
STAFF WRITER

9

News
February 2013

for illegal immigrants, so during a time of
soaring deficits emergency room costs for
the illegal immigrant population will likely
continue to be another taxpayer expenditure.
Taking the lead on national immigration
reform has been our own state’s senator,
Republican Marco Rubio. Rubio, a prominent leader of the Hispanic
community has both criticized
the DREAM Act for being too
broad and gone against the
grain of hard-line conservatism when it comes to offering
illegal immigrants a “pathway
to citizenship”. However, as
he has previously articulated
parts of his plan, it is obvious
that certain aspects of it are appealing to both sides.
“Legal immigration has been,
for our country, one of the
things that makes us vibrant
and exceptional,” Senator Rubio has said.
“Every country in the world has immigration laws and expects to enforce them and
we should be no different.”
The push toward vital immigration reform
looks like it will be a long and grueling
process. For the sake of the well-being of
the United States, however, it is just as necessary as it will be difficult.

for donations. Items such as plastic table
cloths, balloons, and paint in white, black,
or burgundy would be greatly appreciated, as well as water bottles, cereal bars
and canned soda. All items can be sent
in to the attention of Mrs. Cabeza in room
D221. Parents who donate these items
will receive volunteer hours, just like those
who accompany their kids to the event.
The 28th will surely help bring students
and parent’s one step closer to the decision
that will change their future.
Every day, each student at PPCHS gets
one step closer to their future; with the help
of this event, students will have the chance
to go through this process in a calm manner. As for what Mrs. Cabeza hopes for the
night, she says, “We are really excited, we
have a lot of different schools coming and
we are hoping for a great student turn out.
We want to have a lively event, that when
people walk in, they will see the jaguar colors and the colors of the future schools.”

With schools like those in the Charter system, many parents and students across Florida are grateful for institutions that really
show positive motivating results for the future of thousands of K-12 students. Unfortunately, though, the major funding problems the Charter schools endure could lead
to a future where those positive motivating
results might not exist anymore. Governor Rick Scott
and a recently
proposed bill
have
many
people hopeful that this catastrophe may
be prevented.
Last month,
two town hall
meetings were
held in the
PPCHS cafeteria where
parents filled
the room to
hear
what Graphic by: Armando Urena
town
and
school officials had to say on the status of
the funding going into the Charter schools.
Parents who attended were not happy to
hear the bad condition funding was in. One
Charter school receives 40 cents less per
dollar in the area, and the Charter system
had to dig into their savings last year just

schools to share tax dollars with Charter
schools. If something is not done as soon
as possible to get money to the Pines Charter schools, there is the high chance they
will deplete their reserves in 3 years and
possibly shut down (Sun Sentinel).
Recently, a few days following the town
meetings, Governor Rick Scott has announced a budget to go into effect that will
increase funding for K-12 public schools
by $1.2 billion. That budget will
also include $10.7 billion in funding from the state for K-12 schools.
Governor Scott has also proposed an
increase in per-student funding and
bringing up education to be a legislative importance (Florida Gov). Gov.
Scott announced that one of his top
priorities “in the upcoming budget
and legislative session is funding for
education.” He also addressed how
“investing in our teachers and in our
education system is the key to our
state’s continued economic growth”.
Gov. Scott’s plans has many hopeful
for the education future. Curriculum
specialist Ms. Yanez is one who is
“hopeful” that Rick Scott’s announcement will truly come to suffice, saying,
“It’ll help us to be better than we are.”
Many parents, officials, and state legislators are behind the bill with full-on support
for its passing in Tallahassee.

Entertainment
February 2013
Chelsi Chang
STAFF WRITER

10 X-Factor, American Idol, and The Voice sing off

With all the new shows in development
and making their way onto the television
screen, one show genre has yet to fade
away. Watching singing competition shows
have always been one of America’s favorite pastimes. Its appeal never seems to die;
maybe it’s the fact that audience member
get a say in whether or not a contestant
continues on or is eliminated, the witty
judges, or the catchy pop tunes. Whatever
it is, the appeal has graduated from one
of the first successful singing competition
shows- American Idol- to new shows such
as The Voice and X-Factor. Looking at all
of these shows holistically, one would be
lead to believe that all of these shows are
all the same, when in reality all of these
show possess different quirks that make
their show unique.
The Voice is a show that airs on NBC and
takes auditioning to a whole new level. The
judges and coaches- Christiana Aguilera,
Blake Shelton, Adam Levine, and Cee Lo
Green- sit facing away from the people
auditioning to avoid from letting looks or
performance distract them; these people
can only use their voice to dazzle the judges. These are called the “blind auditions.”
Anytime during the audition, the judges
can choose to turn around which means
they would like that person to be on their
team. If more than one judge turns around,
the person auditioning gets to choose
what team they would like to be on. As
soon as the teams have been decided, the
coaches work with their team members on
their voice, and performances to perform

in front of a live studio audience. However, these contestants are not performing
against other teams, but members from
their own team. The coaches pick two team
members to sing the same song and pick

of the original judges- Randy Jackson. “I
believe Idol’s ratings have gone down for a
good reason: the show was getting boring.
I’m actually excited to watch all the drama that is going to happen on the judge’s

Sing offs: Some of the most popular shows on tv are singing competitions. Photo By: Peter Dourvetakis

a winner to advance onto the next round.
The contestant that is dropped can then
be picked up by another coach to be on
their team. In the final live performances,
the teams will perform against each other
and the two with the lowest votes gets sent
home (NBC.com).
In their 12th season, American Idol has
experienced some controversial changes
by including new judges. The new judges
have been named as Mariah Carey, Keith
Urban, Nicki Minaj, and the last one left

panel this year. It’s so obvious that Nicki
and Mariah don’t like each other and that
looks like a blast to watch,” said sophomore Leysha Caraballo. The show will be
following its original formatting in which
they travel all across America looking for
the next greatest pop star. Starting in Season 10 if the person auditioning impressed
the judges, they are sent to participate in
Hollywood Week, and then also competed
in Vegas. In both cities the surviving contestant completes a series of challenges be-

fore being chosen for the live shows. On
the lives shows, the contestants compete
for the audience’s votes.
Finally, the infamous cranky judge Mr.
Simon Cowell has transitioned over to the
X-Factor. The X-Factor has three judges/
coaches, this past season’s judges included Demi Lovato, Brittney Spears, LA
Reid, and of course, Simon Cowell. These
judges watched auditions in front of a live
audience and if a person auditioning made
it through, they were sent to a weeklong
boot camp where contestants are pushed to
their limits with performances and heavy
scrutiny from judges. If the contestants
advance, they are put into their category
whether it be groups, over 25s, teens, or
young adults, and go to the judges’ home
that will be coaching that category. From
there, the final eliminations are made and
the teams are made. Under guidance of
their coaches, competitors have concertlike performances with background dancers and confetti cannons galore. Hosted
last season by Khloe Kardashian Odom
and Mario Lopez, the show offers a wide
range of talent and performances for all
ages and musical tastes. “I watched this
season mostly because Khloe Kardashian
was hosting, but then I really got into it. I
loved their performances, it felt like I was
watching mini concerts every time,” said
junior Rebekah Welch.
All these shows have upped their antics
to claim that number one spot as #1 music competition show but each one offers
a unique experience that the others do not.
No matter what show you watch, each
show promises drama, great music, and the
opportunity to watch the next rising star in
the making.

Music on the Brain

Beyoncé puts America’s Love On Top

Music is a part of our
everyday lives and is
all around us. Music is
known to lead to feelings
and emotions which lead
to human behavior, both
positive and negative. Is
there really any conclusive research that can
shed light on music’s effects on behavior? The
answer to this question
has been the topic of an
ongoing public debate
for decades. According
to Dr. Michael Rich of
Children’s Hospital of
Boston, “Music in adolescents is a powerful
motivator of behavior.”
Dr. Rich believes that
music can affect the limbic system of the brain,
which is the area that
contains our emotions.
He believes that when
fully engaged, emotions
can be very powerful
and can overwhelm the
other brain functions
such as rational thinking. Senior Dana McGee
says, “I believe music
does affect your behavior. Music is made to The Effects of Music: Whether its rap, pop, house, or country that you listen
express feeling, so that to it is scientifically believed that music can affect your emotions and the way
feeling influences peo- you behave. Photo By: Alex Monge
ple because people listen
delinquency. According to Michael D. Leto it constantly.”
monick of “Time Magazine”, “A tune can
In turn, some people believe that there induce emotions ranging from joy to deep
are other controlling factors that play a sorrow and can drive listeners into states of
role in a person’s behavior when listening patriotic fervor or religious frenzy.” Lemto any type of music such as: the environ- onick believes that much more research is
ment surrounding them, the company and needed to address the mysteries of music
people that they are with, the clothes they and the brain. Freshman Christina Villegas
wear and other external factors outside of says, “I think music really affects behavthe music itself. However, music has been ior but it doesn’t have to be in a negative
proven to affect people’s emotions and at way. For example, people listen to certain
times their emotions can lead to action. In sons to get pumped for a race or a game or
these cases it is believed that the music ac- some people listen to classical music while
tually affected behavior in a more indirect studying to focus.” There has not been sufway.
ficient research and studies conducted on
There is a new study in the journal “Pedi- the topic of music’s influence on human
atrics” that shows a significant connection behavior. So the question remains, is musibetween listening to a variety of non-main- cal preference and genres a scapegoat for
stream music such as rock and hip-hop and conscious bad behavior?

Her name has been praised across the
country and is spreading like an epidemic
across the globe. Such a name is linked to
elegance, beauty, independence, and passion. She has been mentioned in countless
awards shows, numerous chart-topping
hits, at legendary sporting events, and
even at the most recent presidential inauguration. Her musical career and success
is at its highest peak; if you don’t know
her name by now then you must be living
under a rock. Beyoncé is a woman who is
shaking and shaping this generation.
Emerging out of the 90’s recording group
Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé’s career started
at the young age of nine. After many successful years of making music and history
with Destiny’s Child, Beyoncé left fellow
group members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams to work on her own individual music. From the very beginning
Beyoncé’s work was considered gold- literally. In her first year in the business going solo Beyoncé tied the record for the
most Grammy’s won by a female artist in a
single year, winning five in 2004.
A lot has happened since 2004, and over
the span of those nine years Beyoncé’s success has only heightened. Now married to
well-known American rapper and recordproducer Jay-Z, Beyoncé has started a family and welcomed her daughter Blue Ivy
Carter into the world around a year ago.
Despite her focus on her personal life, Beyoncé has not quit. She has released a total
of four blazing records that are overflowing with hits and have earned her countless
awards and titles, including third place on
VH1’s “100 Greatest Women in Music” in
2012.
Senior Feda Fitian is a huge fan. “I respect
how she’s such a hard worker. I mean, I
think she’s amazing inside and out. She’s
done a lot to help the world- she just had
a kid and look at how much she’s already
doing to contribute to the entertainment
world. The way she dances, the way she
can sing live, it just shows how extremely
talented and beautiful she is.”
Beyoncé’s most recent performances
have only proved her determination to
keep stepping it up and moving forward.
A tremendous honor, Beyoncé belted out
the National Anthem in a performance that
blew away Mr. President himself. Beyoncé’s singing at the 2013 Presidential Inau-

Anthony Kelleher
Technology editor

Gabriela Garcia
BUSINESS MANAGER

Graphic By: Armando Urena

guration of Barack Obama’s second term
has earned her an overflow of respect and
adoration from the entire world.
On February 3rd, 2013, America proved
that they just could not get enough of this
female sensation. At the 47th Super Bowl
Halftime Show, Beyoncé served up a timeline of her greatest hits. Songs such as
“Crazy in Love” (2003) and “Halo” (2008)
were featured, and even a special surprise
reunion of Destiny’s Child was seen on
stage, shocking and exciting millions.
Afterwards, Beyoncé announced ecstatic
news: the dates to her nearest upcoming
world tour. The Mrs. Carter Show World
Tour has only received positive responses,
and pre-sale tickets have officially gone on
sale.
Senior Omari White could barely contain his excitement. “I went to one of her
first concerts and I absolutely loved it. My
whole family is hoping to be front row at
her upcoming world tour!”
Junior Desiree Scott says that this is exactly the news she was hoping for. “I‘m
most definitely going to her concert when
her world tour comes down here! Her lyrics inspire me, and I’m proud to say that
she’s one of my idols.”
Beyoncé has proved herself over the years
and has made sure to engrave herself in
the music industry. The Mrs. Carter Show
World Tour will surely be one that will
blow up the box office and cause another
wave of love and adoration for Mrs. Carter.
“She’s the best female entertainer out
there right now. She’s full of life, and she’s
so invested in everything she does,” says
White. “I think everyone should be able to
do that. Being fully emerged in what you
love is such a beautiful thing, and Beyoncé
is living proof.”